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SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS & TRICKS VIDEO

Download Twitch Streams and Clips for Free: A Fun and Easy Guide!

Twitch, the world’s leading live streaming platform for gamers and creators, has taken the internet by storm, boasting over 9.2 million unique channels in 2021.

With the platform’s rapid growth, content creators and viewers alike are looking to download their favourite streams and clips to keep or share. If you’re one of them, we’ve got you covered!

In this fun and informative article, we’ll show you how to download Twitch streams and clips for free using simple, easy-to-follow methods.

Remember to stay safe with a good quality VPN – I use NordVPN for all my security needs, its fast, it’s safe and AMAZINGLY CHEAP

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Twitch Streaming Platform Growth (2018-2021)

Year Number of Unique Channels
2018 3.4 million
2019 5.1 million
2020 7.0 million
2021 9.2 million

*All figures are approximate and based on available data.

How to Download Twitch Clips for Free

Step 1: Find the Twitch Clip First, locate the Twitch clip you want to download. You can do this by visiting the Twitch channel of your favourite content creator and browsing their clips.

Step 2: Copy the Clip URL Once you’ve found the clip you want to download, copy the URL from the address bar of your web browser. The URL should look something like this: https://www.twitch.tv/USERNAME/clip/CLIPID

Step 3: Visit a Twitch Clip Downloader Next, visit a Twitch clip downloader website. Some popular options include:

Step 4: Paste the URL and Download Paste the copied URL into the designated input box on the downloader website, then click the “Download” or “Fetch” button. Once the website processes the clip, it will provide a download link. Click the link to download the clip to your device.

How to Download Twitch Streams for Free

Downloading Twitch streams, also known as VODs (Video on Demand), requires a slightly different approach. Follow these steps to download Twitch VODs:

Step 1: Find the Twitch Stream (VOD) Visit the Twitch channel of the content creator whose stream you want to download. Browse their VODs to find the desired video.

Step 2: Copy the VOD URL Copy the VOD URL from the address bar of your web browser. The URL should look like this: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/VIDEOID

Step 3: Visit a Twitch VOD Downloader Visit a Twitch VOD downloader website. Some popular options include:

Step 4: Paste the URL and Download Paste the copied URL into the designated input box on the downloader website or application. Click the “Download” or “Fetch” button. Once the website or application processes the VOD, it will provide a download link. Click the link to download the VOD to your device.

Download Twitch Streams and Clips for Free: A Fun and Easy Guide! 1

Tips and Advice

  1. Respect Content Creators’ Rights: While downloading Twitch streams and clips for personal use is generally acceptable, remember to respect the content creators’ rights. Don’t distribute their content without permission or use it in a way that violates Twitch’s Terms of Service.
  2. Be Aware of Download Limits: Some downloader websites may have restrictions on the size or length of videos you can download. Keep this in mind when choosing a downloader service.
  • Choose the Right Video Quality: When downloading Twitch streams and clips, you may have the option to choose the video quality. Lower quality videos will have smaller file sizes and download faster, but higher quality videos will provide better viewing experiences. Consider your device’s storage capacity and the quality you desire before making a choice.
  • Use Reliable Download Services: When selecting a Twitch clip or VOD downloader, choose one with positive reviews and a strong reputation. This will help ensure a smooth and secure downloading experience.
  • Keep Your Device Secure: Always exercise caution when downloading files from the internet. Use antivirus software and keep it up to date to protect your device from potential threats.
  • Edit Your Clips and VODs: If you plan to use the downloaded Twitch clips and VODs for personal projects or content creation, consider using video editing software to trim, combine, or enhance the videos. Popular video editing options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
  • Organize Your Downloaded Content: To keep your downloaded Twitch clips and VODs easily accessible, create a dedicated folder on your device for storing the content. Use a clear naming convention for the files to help you quickly locate specific clips and VODs when needed.
  • Back Up Your Downloads: To prevent the loss of your downloaded Twitch content, regularly back up the files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This will ensure that you always have access to your favourite clips and VODs, even if your device experiences issues.

Downloading Twitch streams and clips for free is a simple process that allows you to keep your favourite content handy for personal use or sharing with friends.

By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping our tips and advice in mind, you can quickly and easily build a collection of memorable Twitch moments.

Happy downloading!

Final reminder – Stay safe online with NordVPN, it’s amazingly cheap!

Q: Can I download any Twitch stream or clip for free?

A: Yes, you can download most Twitch streams (VODs) and clips for free using the methods mentioned in the article. However, some download services might have limits on video size, length, or daily download quotas.

Q: Is it legal to download Twitch streams and clips?

A: Downloading Twitch streams and clips for personal use is generally acceptable. However, distributing or using the content without the creator’s permission or in a way that violates Twitch’s Terms of Service may lead to legal issues.

Q: What are the copyright issues related to downloading Twitch content?

A: When downloading Twitch content, it’s crucial to respect the copyright of the content creators. This includes not using the content for commercial purposes, unauthorized distribution, or creating derivative works without the creator’s permission.

Q: How can I make sure I’m not violating copyright laws when using downloaded Twitch content?

A: To avoid violating copyright laws, only use the downloaded content for personal use, such as offline viewing or sharing with friends. If you plan to use the content for any other purpose, make sure to obtain the content creator’s permission first.

Q: Can I use downloaded Twitch content in my own video projects?

A: If you want to use Twitch content in your own video projects, you must obtain the content creator’s permission. Using Twitch content without permission may lead to copyright infringement claims and potential legal issues.

Q: Are there any risks associated with downloading Twitch videos from third-party websites?

A: Downloading videos from third-party websites may expose your device to potential security risks, such as malware or viruses. To minimize these risks, use reputable download services and keep your antivirus software up to date.

Q: What should I do if I receive a copyright claim or takedown notice for using downloaded Twitch content?

A: If you receive a copyright claim or takedown notice, promptly remove the content in question from your platform or project. You may also want to contact the content creator to discuss the issue and seek permission for future use of their content.

Q: Can I download Twitch content in different video qualities?

A: Most Twitch clip and VOD download services allow you to choose the video quality before downloading. Lower quality videos have smaller file sizes and download faster, while higher quality videos provide a better viewing experience.

Q: What are some alternatives to downloading Twitch content if I’m concerned about copyright issues?

A: If you’re concerned about copyright issues, consider using Twitch’s built-in clip creation tool to create and share short clips of your favourite moments. Additionally, you can use the platform’s “Watch Later” feature to save VODs for later viewing without downloading the content.

Categories
TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE TUTORIALS

How to Download Music from YouTube

YouTube is the largest video hosting platform in the world, and it’s also a great source of music.

With millions of songs and videos uploaded, you can find almost any track you’re looking for on the site.

However, downloading music from YouTube can be a bit of a challenge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you download your favourite music from YouTube to your device.

Step 1: Find the Music on YouTube

The first step is to find the music you want to download on YouTube. You can use the search bar on the top of the page to search for a specific song or artist. Once you’ve found the music you want, click on the video to play it.

Step 2: Copy the Video Link

Next, you need to copy the link of the video you want to download. To do this, click on the “Share” button below the video and select “Copy link.” This will copy the video’s URL to your clipboard, which you’ll need in the next step.

Step 3: Use a YouTube to MP3 Converter

There are many websites and tools that allow you to convert YouTube videos to MP3 files, which you can then download to your device. One of the most popular and free tools is OnlineYouTubeMP3.

To use this tool, simply paste the copied link into the “YouTube Video URL” field, and then click “Convert.” The website will then convert the video to an MP3 file, which you can then download to your device.

Step 4: Download the MP3 File

Once the MP3 file has been generated, you’ll see a “Download” button. Click on this button to download the file to your device. You can then play the MP3 file using your preferred music player.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Music

That’s it! You’ve successfully downloaded your favourite music from YouTube. You can now enjoy your music without having to be connected to the internet.

So, in summary… downloading music from YouTube is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps.

By using a YouTube to MP3 converter, you can easily convert videos to MP3 files, which you can then download to your device.

Enjoy your music!

Frequently Asked Questions About Downloading Music from YouTube

  1. Is downloading music from YouTube legal?

The legality of downloading music from YouTube depends on the specific circumstances and laws of your country. In most cases, it is considered copyright infringement to download copyrighted material without permission from the owner. However, there are some exceptions, such as for personal use or for educational purposes. It is always best to check the specific laws in your country before downloading music from YouTube.

  1. Are there any risks associated with downloading music from YouTube?

There are some risks associated with downloading music from YouTube, including the possibility of downloading malware or a virus, or of downloading a low-quality or incorrect version of the song. Additionally, some YouTube to MP3 converters may collect personal information or display ads, which can be both annoying and potentially harmful. To minimize these risks, it is important to use a reputable and reliable YouTube to MP3 converter.

  1. Can I download music from YouTube to my iPhone or Android device?

Yes, you can download music from YouTube to your iPhone or Android device. The process is similar to downloading to a computer, but you will need to use a compatible YouTube to MP3 converter that works with your device. Once the MP3 file has been generated, you can transfer it to your device and play it using your preferred music player.

  1. How do I know if the MP3 file I downloaded is of good quality?

The quality of the MP3 file you download from YouTube will depend on the quality of the original video and the YouTube to MP3 converter you use. Some YouTube to MP3 converters claim to offer high-quality MP3 files, but in some cases, the quality may still be lower than expected. To ensure the best quality, it is important to choose a reputable and reliable YouTube to MP3 converter and to verify that the original video is of high quality.

  1. Can I download a full album from YouTube?

Yes, you can download a full album from YouTube, but it will require downloading each individual song from the album. To download an album, you will need to find each song on YouTube, copy the link, and then convert each song to an MP3 file using a YouTube to MP3 converter. Once you have all the MP3 files, you can then organize them into an album on your device.

In conclusion, downloading music from YouTube can be a great way to access your favorite songs and music, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to ensure that you are using a reputable and reliable YouTube to MP3 converter. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and easily download music from YouTube to your device.

Categories
SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

TikTok Video Downloads: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Favourite Content

Are you a fan of TikTok and want to save your favourite videos to watch later or share with friends?

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to download TikTok videos to your device.

Method 1: Using the built-in “Share” feature

The easiest way to download a TikTok video is to use the built-in “Share” feature. Here’s how:

  1. Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to download.
  2. Tap the “Share” button located under the video.
  3. Select the “Save Video” option.
  4. The video will be saved to your device’s camera roll.

TikTok Video Downloads: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Favourite Content 2

Method 2: Using a third-party app

There are many third-party apps available that can help you download TikTok videos. Some popular options include TikTok Video Downloader, TikTok Video Saver, and TikTok Video Download. Here’s how to use one of these apps:

  1. Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to download.
  3. Tap the “Share” button located under the video.
  4. Select the third-party app you downloaded from the list of options.
  5. Follow the instructions in the app to download the video.

TikTok Video Downloads: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Favourite Content 3

Method 3: Using an online video downloader

Another way to download TikTok videos is to use an online video downloader. These websites allow you to enter the URL of the TikTok video you want to download and then save the video to your device. Here’s how to use an online video downloader:

  1. Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to download.
  2. Tap the “Share” button located under the video.
  3. Select “Copy Link” to copy the video’s URL to your clipboard.
  4. Go to an online video downloader website, such as snaptik.app
  5. Paste the video’s URL into the website’s download bar and click the download button.
  6. Wait for the video to be downloaded, and then save it to your device.

Note: It is important to be aware that downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Also, it is best practice to be careful when using third-party apps and online video downloaders, as some of them may contain malware or other harmful software that can compromise your device security.

I hope these methods help you download your favourite TikTok videos! Enjoy and share with your friends. Remember, it is always good to be aware of the copyright rules and the risks of using third-party apps and online video downloaders. Happy downloading!

Categories
TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

Can You Record on YouTube TV?

The cord-cutting movement has been one of the bigger shifts in entertainment, up there with the adoption of digital music and the move to the Internet for written content. The ability to access a multitude of televised content without the need for a conventional television aerial, satellite dish, or cable service has been a revelation for many, especially as fast Internet connections themselves have become increasingly ubiquitous.

Still, the services that make cord-cutting possible are not without their problems. A drop in internet speeds can wreak havoc on your viewing, as can having several people in a house watching things all at once. Another problem is recording.

Over-the-air (OTA) signals were essentially free to do with as you please within the confines of your own home. You could record them at will with nothing more than a VCR (if you don’t know what a VCR is, ask someone over 30). The advent of DVRs made recording TV shows more convenient—if a little more restrictive—but this capability has all but vanished in the cord-cutting present.

Instead, streaming service providers want you to rely on the pervasiveness of their catalogue to come back and watch shows you like at a later date. Unfortunately, as anyone who uses Netflix regularly enough will know, streaming service catalogues are not all that pervasive. Shows come and go all the time. On top of that, traditional TV channels often have their content available for a limited time, such as a month from the date it aired.

One streaming service that has helped fuel the cord-cutting revolution is YouTube TV, and it has become one of the most popular streaming services in the US, but can you record it?

Do YouTubers Get Paid for Subscribers?

Recording YouTube TV

Rejoice, cord-cutters, for the answer is yes, you can record YouTube TV. YouTube provides their TV users with unlimited cloud DVR storage space, meaning you can record as much as you like and never have to worry about deleting old shows to make space for something new.

Of course, the downside to cloud DVR storage is that you are essentially streaming content from your DVR, which means your viewing experience is still at the mercy of your internet connection. The upside is that YouTube TV grants you access to over a hundred live channels, something you can’t get through services like Amazon Prime.

Another bonus comes in the form of simultaneous recordings. With traditional TV recording methods, you could typically record one—or perhaps two—channels at one time. YouTube TV promises “no limit” on simultaneous recordings.

There is a 9-month limit on how long recordings are kept, however.

Like traditional DVR experiences, you can set up YouTube TV to record your favourite shows on a schedule, have one-off shows recorded, or simply tell YouTube to start recording manually when you are ready.

Being a streaming service, YouTube TV is available on a wide variety of platforms, from set-top boxes to streaming sticks to phones and even TVs themselves. As long your internet connection is up to the challenge, you have access to your favourite TV channels.

Watching YouTube TV Recordings Offline

“But,” I hear you ask, “what about when I don’t have an internet connection?”

Maybe your internet has dropped out for some reason, maybe you’re off camping in the middle of nowhere with no reception but still want to enjoy your shows. Whatever the reason, you’ll be happy to know that YouTube TV does allow you to download videos for watching without an internet connection.

However…

This feature doesn’t come without its caveats. For one thing, the ability to download content is only available to users who are subscribed to the 4K Plus add-on, which naturally costs a little extra. There are also limitations on how many videos can be downloaded and how long they can be downloaded for.

That’s right, your downloads are shrouded in rights management and only available through the YouTube TV service, even when viewing offline.

So, assuming you meet the 4K add-on requirement and you haven’t exceeded any of YouTube TV’s limits, you can download recorded content to your device by simply finding the recording you want to download in the app and tapping on the download button. It’s that simple. To watch them, simply head over to the downloads section and select the download you want to play.

Can You Record on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV Download Limitations

We’ve already mentioned the requirement that downloaders be subscribed to the 4K add-on, but what about the other limitations? Well, unfortunately, they’re pretty strict.

Firstly, you can only download one video at a time, meaning you can’t start a new download going until the last one has finished. This may not seem like a big deal, but it does mean you’ll have to start ahead of time if you plan to download an entire show to watch while out of reach of an internet connection.

Another issue is that there will be times when it is not possible to download a video. In these instances, you likely won’t get any explanation as to why the download button will simply be greyed out.

The other two limitations are that you will need to connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to keep your downloaded content accessible and, as mentioned above regarding the cloud DVR system, downloads will expire automatically after 9 months.

Final Thoughts

YouTube TV, like most streaming services, is a mishmash of pros and cons when it comes to comparing it against traditional television services. If adoption is anything to go by, it would seem that the pros outweigh the cons for most people, but that’s a judgement call for you to make.

Unfortunately, if you want to download your recordings for unrestricted offline use, you will have to resort to far more technical (and far less legal) measures than this post is prepared to delve into. If, however, you just need some shows available offline for a short trip, YouTube TV should be able to accommodate you.

Top 5 Tools To Get You Started on YouTube

Very quickly before you go here are 5 amazing tools I have used every day to grow my YouTube channel from 0 to 30K subscribers in the last 12 months that I could not live without.

1. VidIQ helps boost my views and get found in search

I almost exclusively switched to VidIQ from a rival in 2020.

Within 12 months I tripled the size of my channel and very quickly learnt the power of thumbnails, click through rate and proper search optimization. Best of all, they are FREE!

2. Adobe Creative Suite helps me craft amazing looking thumbnails and eye-catching videos

I have been making youtube videos on and off since 2013.

When I first started I threw things together in Window Movie Maker, cringed at how it looked but thought “that’s the best I can do so it’ll have to do”.

Big mistake!

I soon realized the move time you put into your editing and the more engaging your thumbnails are the more views you will get and the more people will trust you enough to subscribe.

That is why I took the plunge and invested in my editing and design process with Adobe Creative Suite. They offer a WIDE range of tools to help make amazing videos, simple to use tools for overlays, graphics, one click tools to fix your audio and the very powerful Photoshop graphics program to make eye-catching thumbnails.

Best of all you can get a free trial for 30 days on their website, a discount if you are a student and if you are a regular human being it starts from as little as £9 per month if you want to commit to a plan.

3. Rev.com helps people read my videos

You can’t always listen to a video.

Maybe you’re on a bus, a train or sat in a living room with a 5 year old singing baby shark on loop… for HOURS. Or, you are trying to make as little noise as possible while your new born is FINALLY sleeping.

This is where Rev can help you or your audience consume your content on the go, in silence or in a language not native to the video.

Rev.com can help you translate your videos, transcribe your videos, add subtitles and even convert those subtitles into other languages – all from just $1.50 per minute.

A GREAT way to find an audience and keep them hooked no matter where they are watching your content.

4. Learn new skills for FREE with Skillshare

I SUCK reading books to learn, but I LOVE online video courses.

Every month I learn something new. Editing, writing, video skills, how to cook, how to run a business – even how to meditate to calm a busy mind.

I find all of these for FREE with Skillshare – Sign up, pick all the courses you want and cancel anytime you need.

5. Shutterstock helps me add amazing video b-roll cutaways

I mainly make tutorials and talking head videos.

And in this modern world this can be a little boring if you don’t see something funky every once in a while.

I try with overlays, jump cuts and being funny but my secret weapon is b-roll overlay content.

I can talk about skydiving, food, money, kids, cats – ANYTHING I WANT – with a quick search on the Shutterstock website I can find a great looking clip to overlay on my videos, keeping them entertained and watching for longer.

They have a wide library of videos, graphics, images and even a video maker tool and it wont break the bank with plans starting from as little as £8.25 ($9) per month.

Categories
TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

Is it Legal to Download YouTube Videos?

Given the nature of this topic, we must state upfront that nothing you read here should be considered legal advice.

We will do our best to lay out what is known about the legalities of downloading YouTube videos, as well as giving any relevant examples for context, but we are not legal professionals.

If you are not comfortable with the potential risks, our only advice is; do not break YouTube’s terms of service!

Whether or not it is legal to download YouTube videos is one of those questions that is very simple to answer from a rigid, technical standpoint, but deserves exploring more from a practical perspective.

Is it legal to download YouTube videos? – The short answer to this question is, if you have uploaded a video, then you are allowed to download that video via the tools provided in YouTube’s channel management. Downloading YouTube videos via any other means is breaking their terms of service, regardless of the license on that video.

Are YouTube Videos Public Domain? 3

That means that even if a video is listed as creative commons, or is a public domain piece, you are still not allowed to download it if you didn’t upload it, to begin with.

That is the absolute, black and white, no grey areas answer to “is it legal to download YouTube videos?”. If you do not want to risk falling afoul of YouTube’s content policies, that is all you need to know.

That being said, we mentioned there was more to explore on this subject and explore is precisely what we are going to do.

Can YouTube Ban You for Downloading Videos Against Terms?

The short answer is yes, but that is because YouTube can ban you anytime they like for anything they want. They are a private company and have complete discretion over who they allow on their platform. There are laws and regulations they must adhere to, of course, but these mainly relate to things like user data.

Theoretically, YouTube could also bring a civil lawsuit against anyone who breaks their terms of services.

Now, YouTube has never exercised either a ban or a lawsuit over breaking their terms by downloading video, but that would be little solace should they decide to make you the first their first case.

They did consider suing a video downloading service once but ultimately decided against it. So their past actions (and lack of actions), as well as rhetoric, suggest that they have no real desire to start banning people for downloading videos. Still, you should not assume that just because they have never exercised their right to before, they won’t do it in the future.

After all, money is a big motivator, and if a significant enough content network decided to put pressure on YouTube to stamp out this kind of thing, it wouldn’t be surprising if they did.

Now if you want to download videos to add b-roll to your videos then maybe consider something like storyblocks – I use them for all my cut away content. They have a range of plans to help you add eye catching and stunning visuals to your content.

Can YouTubers Control Which Ads Are Shown? 5

Can YouTube Tell If You Download Video?

There is no automatic way for YouTube to tell if you are downloading videos. The services that allow you to download videos are more easily identifiable, and YouTube sometimes make changes to their platform that prevent these from working, though there is no way of knowing if it is a coincidence that the services stopped working, or YouTube specifically intended for that to happen. But there is no way for YouTube to tell that you are downloading a video using those services.

It is likely for this reason that YouTube does not make an effort to put a stop to this kind of activity.

For content that exists in other places—such as public domain video—it is almost impossible for YouTube to definitively say that any duplicate uploads were created with footage downloaded from their platform.

YouTube could infer that content has been downloaded, of course. If you were to download a video that is unique and only exists on YouTube and then reupload that video to their platform. However, with the amount of content that is uploaded every minute, it would be challenging for YouTube to find instances like this, even if people were willing to report this kind of terms breaking.

We say you would have to upload it to their platform because if you are not a registered user of YouTube, the only recourse YouTube would have for breaking their terms of service would be a lawsuit. Proving that any particular content was initially downloaded from YouTube against their terms of service would likely be difficult, and not worth the time and money it would cost.

Especially when YouTube can just remove the video and ban you.

Can YouTubers Control Which Ads Are Shown? 1

Is it Ever Legal to Download Youtube Videos?

Other than downloading videos you uploaded in the first place, yes, there are situations when it is legal to download YouTube videos. The essential factor here is that YouTube’s terms of service are not law.

Breaking their terms does inherently mean you have broken the law—which is not to say there are never legal consequences for violating terms of service.

Again, we must stress that even though YouTube has never taken anyone to court for downloading videos, the possibility is there.

What this means is that for there to be legal ramifications of downloading video from YouTube, then YouTube themselves must bring a lawsuit against you. Proceeding on the basis that YouTube is unlikely to do so, you are only breaking the law if you download copyrighted content. Downloaded content that is creative commons or public domain does not violate any law, only YouTube’s terms. There is a caveat here, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

With regards to YouTube potentially bringing a civil action against you, remember that they need to be aware that you have broken their terms of service. As we mentioned, YouTube has no way of knowing who is using the various tools for downloading videos, so the only way they could possibly know is if you then put that content online somewhere. And even then, the chances of YouTube ever noticing it are practically non-existent, unless it is a high profile situation.

If you are downloading YouTube videos and keeping them to yourself, the chance of ever facing legal consequences are so remote that they may as well be non-existent. That being said, we must stress once more that it the risk does exist. If you break YouTube’s terms of service, you run that risk.

Is It Legal to Make YouTube Videos from Books? 3

Regional Laws

We mentioned above there was a caveat to breaking terms of service not being illegal. While that is true (always check your local laws, however), the practical reality of situations like this are not so clear cut.

For example, there was an incident in 2006 where a woman signed up to MySpace under a fake identity for the purposes of bullying a friend of her daughter. That friend later committed suicide. Obviously, this was a terrible tragedy, but it is the manner in which the prosecution went after the woman that is relevant here.

Giving false information was against MySpace terms of service, and an attempt was made to prosecute the woman under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, claiming that she had gained “unauthorised access” to MySpace’s services by breaking the terms of service. After initially being found guilty, the woman was later acquitted in appeal after a judge decided the precedent was troubling.

The important thing to note here is that, while breaking the terms of service itself was not illegal, it was still used as a means to justify prosecuting someone under a different law.

Now, granted, the death of a thirteen-year-old girl is very serious, and not in any way comparable to downloading videos from YouTube, but it is essential to paint a full picture. We can tell you that breaking YouTube’s terms of service is not illegal, but the law is not always as straight forward as that.

How To Download A YouTube Video 2020 (NEW METHOD) 3

How Do You Download YouTube Video?

There are several free online services that allow you to download YouTube videos. Simply searching “youtube video downloader” will typically turn up a good number of such services.

They all work in more or less the same way. You first enter the URL of the video you wish to download. The service will check the link, and, if it can do it (not all videos are downloadable), you will be able to select from various options regarding the format and quality of your download.

Some services even offer rudimentary editing tools, such as trimming, and cropping, though most will just present you with a download to the untouched video.

It is usually possible to download just the audio from a video, which is particularly useful if the thing you are downloading is sound effects, or music. Though it should be noted that downloading copyrighted music from YouTube, while still not breaking the law in terms of the act of downloading itself, is definitely breaking the law in terms of music piracy. And the music industry is not shy about enforcing those laws.

As mentioned above, YouTube periodically changes the way things work behind the scenes. Sometimes, this results in YouTube video downloaders no longer working. Whether YouTube does this on purpose or the changes are unrelated and breaking the downloaders is just a coincidence, is unknown. Regardless, when this happens, you can try a different service as some services take longer to adapt to changes by YouTube than others. But if none of them can grab the video, you may have to accept that you won’t be able to download it if you can’t find it elsewhere.

Can YouTubers Control Which Ads Are Shown? 4

Browser Plugins and Standalone Software

There are alternatives to the online services mentioned above. When you stream a video, you are essentially downloading it to your computer temporarily. It is possible to take advantage of this and keep the downloaded video permanently. Browser plugins, in particular, add a level of convenience that the online services can’t.

It should be noted, however, that using something like a browser plugin or a standalone piece of software may expose you. When you use an online service, as far as YouTube can see, that service is accessing their content. It doesn’t matter who is downloading the video; YouTube will still see the same service as the one who is doing the downloading.

When you download a video from your computer, YouTube can see you specifically. Whether or not they can tell that you are downloading, rather than streaming, is a question we can’t answer. But if they have a means of telling the two apart, it would make it more likely that they could identify you, if they ever decided to.

Are There Alternatives to Downloading YouTube Videos?

If you are looking for a specific video that is only available on YouTube, your options are very limited. In fact, the only way to get around breaking YouTube’s terms of service here would be to contact the uploader and ask them if they could send you the video.

Obviously, for this to work, you would need to have a good reason for wanting the video, as they are unlikely to help you out if your goal is just to reupload it somewhere else and monetise it.

If the content is licensed under creative commons or public domain, there is a good chance you will be able to find it elsewhere on the web, and YouTube’s policies will have no bearing on how you obtained your content. Though it should be noted that their policies on re-using content may come into play if you attempt to monetise something that already exists on the platform.

Just remember that, while YouTube has never taken action against individual YouTubers for downloading YouTube video, and while the act of doing so technically doesn’t break any laws, the possibility of YouTube doing so is there. As is the mechanisms by which they could come after you.

So, is it legal to download YouTube videos? No. Doing so would only violate YouTube’s terms of service, and that in and of itself is not illegal. But that doesn’t mean there is no risk of legal repercussions, and you should consider that before downloading any YouTube content.

And, once again, this post does not claim to offer legal advice of any kind. If you are unsure about the ramifications of your actions, consult a licensed legal professional first.

Top 5 Tools To Get You Started on YouTube

Very quickly before you go here are 5 amazing tools I have used every day to grow my YouTube channel from 0 to 30K subscribers in the last 12 months that I could not live without.

1. VidIQ helps boost my views and get found in search

I almost exclusively switched to VidIQ from a rival in 2020.

Within 12 months I tripled the size of my channel and very quickly learnt the power of thumbnails, click through rate and proper search optimization. Best of all, they are FREE!

2. Adobe Creative Suite helps me craft amazing looking thumbnails and eye-catching videos

I have been making youtube videos on and off since 2013.

When I first started I threw things together in Window Movie Maker, cringed at how it looked but thought “that’s the best I can do so it’ll have to do”.

Big mistake!

I soon realized the move time you put into your editing and the more engaging your thumbnails are the more views you will get and the more people will trust you enough to subscribe.

That is why I took the plunge and invested in my editing and design process with Adobe Creative Suite. They offer a WIDE range of tools to help make amazing videos, simple to use tools for overlays, graphics, one click tools to fix your audio and the very powerful Photoshop graphics program to make eye-catching thumbnails.

Best of all you can get a free trial for 30 days on their website, a discount if you are a student and if you are a regular human being it starts from as little as £9 per month if you want to commit to a plan.

3. Rev.com helps people read my videos

You can’t always listen to a video.

Maybe you’re on a bus, a train or sat in a living room with a 5 year old singing baby shark on loop… for HOURS. Or, you are trying to make as little noise as possible while your new born is FINALLY sleeping.

This is where Rev can help you or your audience consume your content on the go, in silence or in a language not native to the video.

Rev.com can help you translate your videos, transcribe your videos, add subtitles and even convert those subtitles into other languages – all from just $1.50 per minute.

A GREAT way to find an audience and keep them hooked no matter where they are watching your content.

4. PlaceIT can help you STAND OUT on YouTube

I SUCK at making anything flashy or arty.

I have every intention in the world to make something that looks cool but im about as artistic as a dropped ice-cream cone on the web windy day.

That is why I could not live on YouTube without someone like PlaceIT. They offer custom YouTube Banners, Avatars, YouTube Video Intros and YouTube End Screen Templates that are easy to edit with simple click, upload wizard to help you make amazing professional graphics in minutes.

Best of all, some of their templates are FREE! or you can pay a small fee if you want to go for their slightly more premium designs (pst – I always used the free ones).

5. StoryBlocks helps me add amazing video b-roll cutaways

I mainly make tutorials and talking head videos.

And in this modern world this can be a little boring if you don’t see something funky every once in a while.

I try with overlays, jump cuts and being funny but my secret weapon is b-roll overlay content.

I can talk about skydiving, food, money, kids, cats – ANYTHING I WANT – with a quick search on the StoryBlocks website I can find a great looking clip to overlay on my videos, keeping them entertained and watching for longer.

They have a wide library of videos, graphics, images and even a video maker tool and it wont break the bank with plans starting from as little as £8.25 ($9) per month.